In preparation for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections in the Union Territory, the Union Government has announced the deployment of 635 companies of paramilitary forces in Jammu and Kashmir. This decision comes as part of a broader plan to deploy a total of 3400 companies across 36 states and Union Territories, with a significant focus on states like West Bengal, Jammu Kashmir, and Chhattisgarh due to prevailing security concerns.
According to details accessed by The Daily Guardian, the Chief Electoral Officers of all states and Union Territories have requested the deployment of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) to undertake various election-related duties. These include area domination, confidence-building measures, poll-day duties, and the security of EVM strong rooms and counting centers.
The Election Commission, considering these requests, has decided to deploy a maximum of around 3400 companies of CAPFs across all states and Union Territories in a phased manner to ensure the conduct of free, fair, and peaceful elections.
Given the situation assessment, the highest number of deployments will be in West Bengal, with 920 companies, followed by 635 in Jammu and Kashmir and 360 in Chhattisgarh. Additionally, 36 companies will be retained for strong room guarding and counting center arrangements specifically in Jammu and Kashmir.
In contrast, minimal deployments are planned for Lakshadweep, Puducherry, and Chandigarh, with only 03, 10, and 11 companies, respectively.
For Jammu and Kashmir, ADG Law and Order Vijay Kumar will serve as the State Police Nodal Officer, overseeing the movement and deployment of forces, while Chief Electoral Officer Pandurang Pole will manage election-related activities.
An order accompanying the deployment directive mandates that each company must include a minimum of 18 deployable half sections to facilitate effective deployment planning. Furthermore, the Chairman of the Railway Board has been instructed to ensure the provision of adequate rolling stock with appropriate facilities for the hassle-free mobilization and timely movement of forces to fulfill their election duties. The deployment of paramilitary forces underscores the government’s commitment to maintaining law and order and ensuring the smooth conduct of elections in Jammu and Kashmir amidst ongoing security challenges.
